Temperance teaches us the concept of alchemy and energy flow.

Energy cannot be created or destroyed. It can only be transferred or transformed. If emotion is energy in motion, then we have the choice to let it flow by or use it to create.

I have known for many years that alchemy was the art of transmutation on a metaphysical level. It birthed what we now know as modern science today.

Even in saying that, the concepts and philosophy of alchemy remain. I don’t think it ever violated what we now know to be the laws of energy and matter. Neither can be created nor destroyed. They can only be transferred or transformed.

I have spent the entire past month of December watching Ralph Smart’s YouTube channel Infinite Waters for the sole purpose of getting a better understanding of self love and relationships. In one of his videos he proposed an eye opening concept for me: Emotion is energy in motion.

Now think about this for a moment. It’s such a simple thing and one I wish I had learned sooner in life. What this means is that emotions are not some beastly thing that controls you. It’s not an illness or symptom either. It’s just energy.

You can let pass through. You can share it. You can use it to create something. You can also resist it and allow it to stop you in your tracks.

Now think about that. Think about what happens when two forces push up against each other. What happens? They stop moving.

Now imagine yourself stepping aside and letting that other force move on by. You and that force start moving again.

Now imagine yourself harnessing it and creating something. Music. Art. A cake. A pretty dress. A magnificent dance number. Doesn’t matter.

Now imagine yourself giving that to someone else. Imagine how they react to it. Is it good? Is it bad?

This is the alchemy of the soul through the transference of emotion. And it’s all energy.

Whether we realize it or not, we transfer this energy multiple times a day every day. We’re constantly bouncing it within ourselves and between others all day long, but if we are mindful of these transfers we can make better choices in how and when they occur.

~ Dragon Tarot by Terry Donaldson (Author), Peter Pracownik (Illustrator) © 1995
~ Credit for 3D model and assets used in this rendered image can be found here.

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